The Texas Education Agency’s return to its A-F accountability grading system has delivered a mixed but telling snapshot of academic performance across the North Texas region.
Big Gains in Dallas ISD
In a standout win, Dallas ISD raised its district-wide rating from a C to a B for the 2024–25 school year. The number of A‑rated campuses doubled - from 30 to 60 - and B’s climbed from 71 to 103, while F-rated campuses dropped dramatically from 24 to just two.
Forward Motion in Fort Worth ISD, But Red Flags Remain
Fort Worth ISD also improved, moving from a D to a C overall. No doubt part of the district’s strategic push - but the spotlight remains on them. One shuttered campus had failed for five straight years, sparking concerns of a potential state takeover. A decision is expected this fall.
Statewide Trends, With Local Implications
Across Texas, 31% of campuses improved their grades, while 55% stayed the same, and 15% slipped. That equates to 757 schools jumping from B or lower up to an A in 2025.
Still, Fort Worth ISD remains one of the few counties across the state in danger of intervention.
What’s Driving the Change
TEA resumed its annual A-F reporting after a two-year delay driven by pandemic interruptions and legal disputes over rating methodology. This year's ratings hinge on three pillars: student achievement, year-over-year progress, and closing performance gaps.
What’s Next for North Texas
Fort Worth ISD is under tight scrutiny; if improvements don’t stick, TEA could step in with leadership changes.
Dallas ISD’s turnaround sets a strong narrative for press and public perception ahead of the school year kickoff.
Parents and district officials across North Texas can now review detailed campus and district ratings at txschools.gov.
Bottom Line
Dallas schools are trending up - a fix for the naysayers. Fort Worth has momentum but still must prove resilience. And the region as a whole reflects the broader state trajectory: upward movement in many places, yet still ground to cover in others.
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